Even though 21 of the 29 were involved in Lions Academy over the summer, apart from the 17 year olds (eg Tickner, Conway), they're not eligible to be drafted by us under the bidding system this year are they?

I was under the impression that the Lions could theoretically draft players from the Academy this year, but the Suns can trump them with their (up to 5) zone picks, which means the Lions have put most of their focus into kids draftable from next year.

Thanks Bob, that's what I meant. Assuming Gold Coast has the playing list space, then between the Gold Coast and Lions academies (and any other Qld kids not in there), they can draft up to 5 kids to themselves first.

Been a while since more than 5 Qld kids were drafted in any given year. There won't be much for us once GC have finished picking any Qld kids.

There was some talk that the coaches a while ago that the coaches were pretty happy with the ruck talent coming through the academy although no-one was puting any names to that talent.

I thought it was worth mentioning that Jackson Gray is certainly likely to be one of those referred to. Gray was listed at 200cm at the under 16 champs and this year has moved from the Sunshine Coast to Aspley to play his football. With the under 18 State stuff taking priority of late I am not sure how many games he has played but I noticed he was named the best for Aspley the other week. He is not currently in the Qld squad but I would be surprised if he did not get a game at some stage this year.

He is one I hope the ressies watchers keep an eye out for if he gets a chance later in the year.

Aside from the listed Lions players, Clarke also praised the efforts of Western Magpies top-up players Alexander Kitching, David Cummins and Scott Clarke - as well as promising Lions Academy teenager Isaac Conway.

“Isaac is one of our really talented top-age Academy boys - which means he’ll be in that first crop of kids who will eventually become available to us in a couple of years,” Clarke said.

“He’s a terrific young kid with a mature body. I remember when I was coaching the Academy, he was a class above the majority of his age group - and he’s continued his development very nicely and even added a bit muscle mass.”

“Isaac’s definitely one to keep an eye on. He’s versatile, but probably more suited as a midfielder.”

Qld under 18's play their first game against TAC cup team tomorrow (Dandenong Stingrays) at 1030 at Yeronga tomorrow, before the Lions/ Swans NEAFL game.
Can see teams listed on TAC cup website already, although would think AFLQ will have something more up later today, esp given its their first game - last year they had an article naming team etc prior to each game.
Will be interesting to see how the Qld boys go, but is first game together and a few missing this week because of injury (Cameron, Wallin, Overington, Wagner, Coleman-broome). Seemingly Lions Academy 17 year olds Tickner, Conway, Rutledge all playing). Of note Whitfield named to play for Dandenong - interesting to see him live given he's touted as potential number 1 draft pick this year